Tesco reverses decision on Manic’s cover
Tesco has reversed its decision to censor the cover from the Manic Street Preacher’s latest album, Journal for Plague Lovers, thanks to intervention from Changing Faces and the Employers Forum on Disability.
Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Asda covered up the artwork by Jenny Saville on the CD when the album was released on 18 May. The painting showed a young girl with a portwine stain. Tesco said:
“Like other retailers we were supplied the latest Manic Street Preachers album with a covering sleeve because of concerns that the actual cover could cause offence to customers. Since then we have been approached, through our membership of the Employers Forum on Disability, by Changing Faces which has advised that the picture is actually a child with a birthmark on her face.
We take a positive approach to all disabilities and encourage our staff and customers to do the same. We have therefore decided, in the light of this new advice, to remove the covering sleeve and will display the album in the usual way in all stores from today.”
Tell us what you think about this decision.
Your Comments
If you are struggling to cope and you would like to speak to someone in confidence, please call 0845 4500 275 or email info@changingfaces.org.uk. Please note, we are not able to contact anyone after they have left a message on this board.
Karla, Dublin
Regarding my last comment, I just reread the article and with relief see that Changing Faces condemned the cover up. So you can disregard my comment, as I thought people were insulted by the cover. I'm disgusted with Tesco, Sainsbury's etc. This is typical of these type of companies!
Karla, Dublin
It is shocking that people (and Changing Faces!) find the album cover offensive. Can this girl not be on the cover just like anyone else? I'm sure the band were doing it to put a positive light on people's views of marks etc. I have scars on my face and to me it seems this highlights the continued lack of understanding and acceptance.
Evan, 30, Location
Whilst Changing Faces should again be praised for their pro-active stance and for actually getting things done, the question needs to be asked who supplied the the cover in the first place. The answer is the record company. Who employs the record company? The Manic Street Preachers. Any criticism should be levelled directly at the band; on the one hand they want to be controversial by showing a "shocking" picture but on the other they ensure their profit margin is not damaged by providing the cover. Fair play to Tesco. Changing Faces pointed out the issue and Tesco addressed it.
Chris, 29, London
Comment
Emily, 30, London
Comment Michael, 71 from Honiton - where can i get your book from? What's it called -Sounds really interesting. Or where can i get in touch with you cheers
Michael, 71, Honiton Devon
Comment I appreciate the sentiments expressed above, and I agree with the decision to remove the cover. I have first hand experience in facing people despite the initial looks I received when first encountering people. I have had 23 operations on a double hare-lip and cleft palate with other complications at the time of my birth, I have written an autobiography on my life's experiences and how I overcame the challenges of facing people throughout my young childhood, teens,twenties and working life. When people are taught to ignor the face that they are comfrounted with initially and look at what lies beneath - a real person trying to get out and make his/her mark on society, makes all the difference!
DF, 32, London
It's good that the decision's been reversed. Although, the album's named 'Journal for Plague Lovers', and I do feel a liitle bit ambivalent about the representation of someone with a port wine stain in that context. Nothing to be taken off shelves for though. Also ... since when did a port wine stain become a disability?
'fmm', ov, dublin, ireland
It was extraordinary that there was a cover. I consider it insulting. Are some people to be hidden away? Everybody deserves to be treated with respect. Congratulations on all your success. Your work is so valuable and life changing for so many people.
